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Lesson 1 - Refining Passing and Receiving

Team Attack & Movement

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Year 4

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Netball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we keep possession of the ball in netball through accurate passing and clever movement?

Learning Objectives

To refine chest passing technique with accuracy and consistency
To develop effective movement to create and find space
To apply passing and movement skills to maintain possession in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved chest passing technique with consistent accuracy
Students will move effectively to create space and receive passes under pressure
Students will work as a team to maintain possession through strategic passing and movement

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

1 per 2 students (15 balls for class of 30)

Balls distributed around area perimeter, check inflation

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, rugby balls for grip practice

Coloured Cones

20-30 cones

Different colours for creating gates and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops

Bibs

6-8 bibs

For identifying defenders in activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Chest pass

A pass thrown from chest level using both hands with a stepping motion

Creating space

Moving to an area where there are no defenders to receive a pass safely

Target

Hands ready position to show where you want the ball to be passed

Possession

Having control of the ball as a team

Intercept

When a defender catches or touches a pass meant for the attacking team

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic chest pass technique from Year 3
Understanding of catching with two hands
Awareness of space and movement concepts
Basic netball rules and scoring

Current Skills

Refined chest pass with stepping and follow-through
Movement to create and exploit space
Team coordination for possession-based play
Tactical understanding of when and where to pass

Next Steps

Introduction of shoulder pass technique
More complex movement patterns and plays
Positional play and netball court positions
Defending skills and interceptions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent chest pass accuracy over 8-10 passes

Successful movement into space under defender pressure

Team completion of 5+ consecutive passes in small-sided games

Key Teaching Points

Chest pass technique: ball starts at chest, step forward with opposite foot, push through with both hands, thumbs point down
Creating space: move away from defenders BEFORE calling for the ball, use peripheral vision to spot gaps
Possession play: accuracy is more important than speed, look for the easiest pass not the most spectacular
Teamwork: communicate constantly, support teammates when they make mistakes, celebrate successful play together
Movement timing: receiver moves to space first, then shows target hands, passer waits for clear target
Defensive positioning: stay between ball and target, anticipate passes rather than chasing the ball
Game understanding: maintaining possession creates scoring opportunities, losing the ball gives opponents chances

Common Misconceptions

That passing hard makes you better - emphasise accuracy and control over power
That you can only pass to someone who is static - teach passing to moving targets
That the defender should always chase the ball - explain anticipation and positioning
That dropping the ball means failure - frame as learning opportunities and normal part of skill development
That bigger/stronger students have advantages - highlight that skill and teamwork matter more than physical attributes

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback, visual focus points

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, slower demonstration pace, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns, verbal cues for sequencing

autism spectrum

Clear visual activity sequence, predictable routines, quiet spaces available, advance notice of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for movement, audible goals/targets

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations for all instructions, hand signals for key concepts, written activity cards, ensure student can see teacher

physical disability

Seated passing variations, modified distances, larger balls, adapted movement patterns, wheelchair accessible activities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following and giving instructions, descriptive language for movement, discussing tactics and strategy

Maths

Counting consecutive passes, measuring distances between players, angles of movement and passing

Science

Understanding forces in passing (push/pull), heart rate changes during exercise, muscle use in movement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when losing possession, fairness in rotating roles, encouraging others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central area during demonstrations, circulate between groups during activities, corner position for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Chest pass technique (step forward, follow-through), movement timing (before receiving pass), teamwork and communication

Intervention Points

Step in if physical contact occurs, help struggling students with technique, facilitate positive team dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for technique breakdown, exaggerate key points for visibility, use students as positive examples, demonstrate with enthusiasm

Verbal Cues

•'Step and push!' for chest pass
•'Move first, then call!' for receiving
•'Look for the gap!' during possession games
•'Great teamwork!' for positive reinforcement

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, preferably netball court or large hall

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, check for any wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated - not too hard or too soft
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face/head from hard passes
•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Overexertion in competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries for all activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasise controlled passing rather than power
•Monitor spacing between groups/pairs
•Regular hydration reminders

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during 5v1 games
•Actively circulate during possession games to monitor contact levels
•Watch for fatigue signs in final activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact medical assistance if required